Archive for January, 2013

Every FEBRUARY is Dental Health Month at Arrow Springs Animal Hospital.

Your pet’s teeth are very important to their overall health. If we noted during your visit the need for your pet to have a dental cleaning and polishing then keep reading!

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. Over 68% of all pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease, making it by far the most common canine disease.

*Pets need to have their teeth cleaned? Can’t I just brush his teeth?

-Brushing your pet’s teeth is a great way to prevent dental disease. However, when a pet has signs of dental disease such as red or inflammed gums, bad breath, tartar, or even loose teeth, your pet needs a dental.

*Yuck! My pet’s teeth look like the dog in the picture below, maybe even worse! What should I do?

-No worries. Your pet’s tartar can be removed with a professional scaling and polishing under anesthesia. Your pet’s teeth will then be polished and fluoride will be applied. Some pets may also need to have tooth extractions and/or antibiotics.

*I have an older pet. Is it ok to have her under anesthesia?

-Your pet will have an exam by one of our doctors prior to their dental. Your pet will also have blood work performed to check cell counts and internal organs. If any concerns are noted, one of the doctors will call you. Your pet will be monitored throughout the procedure and until he or she goes home.

*My pet has a healthy smile again! Now what?

-You will pick-up your pet in the afternoon and be greeted by your pet’s fresh breath! We will give you instructions on how to brush your pet’s teeth. Do not use human dentifrice or toothpaste. You can begin giving special canine toys as well as feeding the newer dental diets and dental treats to help reduce tartar build up.

Before Dental

After Dental

Please call us at 918-455-7107 to make an appointment. We perform dentals Monday-Friday mornings. Drop-offs start at 7:30a.m. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Randal Burris, DVM, Don Schmidt, DVM

P.S. Want more info? Visit our website at www.gtvets.com to see a short dental care video.

-With adult dogs, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the right dog.

-Adult dogs are great at focusing on you because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.

-Grownup dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to watch after young children, work from home, etc.

-Older dogs have already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. They’ll be part of the family in no time!

-Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adopting a senior pooch! Older dogs are likely to already be housetrained—and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast. Seniors also are much less likely to be destructive chewers.

-There are those who hold back adopting a dog because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come. Providing a loving home for a dog in her golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.

-Older dogs do require exercise but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.

-Older dogs are often the last to be adopted. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.

If you are currently looking to adopt a pet, please visit animalaid.org